Hotel Review: Waldorf Astoria Cancun Oceanside Luxury Resort
- Points and Places
- Jan 23
- 4 min read
Waldorf Astoria Cancun Review – A Luxurious Stay
The Waldorf Astoria has quickly become one of my favorite Hilton brands, and perhaps even one of my all-time favorite hotel brands. My stays at Waldorf properties are consistently filled with luxury and excellent experiences. So, when I learned that a Waldorf Astoria was opening in Cancun in 2022, I jumped at the opportunity to stay there for a birthday celebration.
We visited just a month after the hotel's opening, and I was happy to see that things were running smoothly, with no signs of growing pains. There’s something special about staying in a newly opened hotel—being one of the first to sleep in a room always adds a unique thrill.
Booking
I had several Hilton certificates expiring soon, so this was the perfect time to use them. The standard Oceanfront room typically costs 110,000 points per night, with cash rates starting at around $600 USD per night. Both the King and Two Queens options are available at the standard reward rate. Since the hotel had just opened, availability was wide open, though I expect it may be more limited during peak seasons.
Hotel Location
The hotel is located approximately 15 km from Cancun International Airport (CUN). We rented a car, but in hindsight, I wish we had arranged a transfer. While we had envisioned doing some day trips like we did during a stay in Tulum, this trip turned out differently. Our first dining excursion to Puerto Morelos was a disappointing disaster. Next time, I’ll skip the hassle of renting a car and opt for the organized excursions offered by the hotel.
The drive from CUN to the hotel is relatively short but includes a long stretch of road off the main highway filled with an absurd number of speed bumps. This made leaving the property more cumbersome than necessary. I still can’t understand the need for so many speed bumps!
Hote
The hotel feels secluded, offering a peaceful escape. There’s also a Hilton attached to the Waldorf Astoria, which is an all-inclusive resort, similar to the setup at the Conrad in Tulum. The two properties are connected via conference rooms, making them feel quite close but still distinct.
The entrance is understated, but the lobby quickly sets the luxurious tone. The signature Waldorf Astoria clock takes center stage, complemented by beautiful decor. The staff welcomed us warmly, offered a tasty welcome drink, and informed us of an upgrade to a deluxe oceanfront king-bed guestroom. From what I could tell, the upgrade was primarily for a better view.
The Room
Waiting in the room was a welcome gift of snacks and a small bottle of tequila—a thoughtful touch. The room itself was beautifully decorated with modern yet elegant furnishings. The ocean views were stunning, even from the shower, and the room featured a spacious patio and a luxurious soaking tub—perfect for unwinding.
The king bed was incredibly comfortable, and the bathroom had double sinks along with a separate makeup area—a feature my wife particularly appreciated. Numerous bottles of water were stocked in the cupboard and refreshed daily by room service and again during nightly turndown service.
Pool and Beach
The pool area was gorgeous and blissfully uncrowded—a big plus. We spent most of our time lounging in a private cabana, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Often, we were the only ones in the pool, which was a refreshing change compared to the more crowded resorts we’ve visited. Not having to hunt for a spot by the pool was a welcome luxury.
Dining
For breakfast, Chaya restaurant offers an à la carte menu where, as a Diamond member, you can order as much as you like. While I’m usually a big fan of breakfast buffets, this higher-end take on unlimited dining was a nice change. However, I noticed that only one breakfast item included meat—something to keep in mind if you prefer protein-heavy meals. The food was delicious overall.
For dinner, we tried the resort’s fish restaurant, Malpeque, which had been heavily promoted as a high-end dining experience. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype. We ordered a whole fish, which turned out to be gummy and tasteless—a major letdown. Given the high prices (especially for Mexico), I left the meal feeling ripped off.
Overall
The Waldorf Astoria Cancun is a fantastic place to relax and unwind. Its secluded location offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Cancun, though it’s still close enough to enjoy local attractions. I’d definitely return, but I’d approach with a few lessons learned:
Skip the rental car and prearrange a transfer to avoid unnecessary hassle.
Be cautious with the dining options, as not all meals live up to the Waldorf Astoria standard.
Manage expectations for the beach—it’s smaller and less impressive than those at other resorts in the area.
If you’re looking for a luxurious and tranquil getaway, the Waldorf Astoria Cancun delivers on many levels. Just be prepared for a few quirks along the way!